mmm:^^ 




Class _£kTl^ 
Copyright N" 

coPVRicirr deposit. 




T .-.•.'% 1 >, r* ■^ ■i^nc ■■'IP 



The Story of the Auditorium 

BY WILLIAM GEORGE BRUCE 




A Souvenir Volume 

PUBLISHED UNDER THE AUSPICES OF THE 
AUDITORIUM COMMITTEE 



CLASS n W<C., So. 

ci,V r b. 



I his little soiueiiir volume is puh- 
lislicil tor prixatc circulation only, 
aiui is intended as a suitaiile me- 
mento ot the labor performed li\' the 
members of Auditorium Committee. 



iCopyrlehtcd 19071 



The Preface 

There may arise in a i^rnwiiii; cuninmnity certain exig'encies which can 
onlv lie met. or at least can best he met. li\- unselfish private ctifort. In 
order to secure such eti'ort there must exist primarily, or there must be 
created a tine public spirit, an earnest desire on the part of some men to 
accomplish sonietliint;- tor the common s^ood of all men. 

The real (piality of that public spirit can best be measured when once 
aroused anil brou,L;ht into acti\e play, when apjilied to emergencies that 
niav arise, ami when self-sacriticing and decisive elYort is demanded. Men 
are then tested, not onl\- as to the warmth and sincerity of their local 
patriotism, but also as to their intelligence and force in giving it adequate 
and effective expression. 

The' project to provide the city of Milwaukee with an Auditorium 
building, which should meet in every respect the rei|uirements of such a 
structure, and demanding the raising of one-(|uarter million of dollars by 
private subscrijition, brought forth a splendid test of the progressive spirit 
of its citizens. 

There were men who recognized the need of such a public utility; 
there were those who took the initiative towards securing it ; there were 
also those who took upon themselves the task of carrying the project to a 
successful completion; and finally there were those who stood ready to 
give such financial encouragement as the jiroject reipiired. 

The liberalitv and progressive spirit and local patriotism of Milwau- 
kee's citizenshi]) was put to the test. It bore that test bravely, cheerfully 
and acceptably. It ])roved itself ccpial to every emergency. 

In giving publicity to the following iiages it should be liorne in mind 
that the sole purpose is to preserve in some permanent form a record of 
the labors that led to the construction of an Auditorimu. and at the same 



time serve as an inspiration to future similar efforts in the direction of 
laudable ends. 

The motive which prompted this booklet grew primarily out of the 
spirit of good-fcllowshi]) which pervaded the meetings and labors of the 
so-called Auditorium ("onnnittee. The i)leasant ties of fricndsiiips which 
grew out of tlic constant association of twenty-five men in a project wliich 
engaged their time as well as their best thought and effort under varying. 
and fre(|uently trying, circunislances led tn the suggestion of this souvenir 
volume. 

It is, therefore, not only a mere record of a series of transactions lead- 
ing to the realization of a utilitarian jjrojcct. but also the memento of a 
tem])orary association of men who proved congenial to each otiier and 
who prize the friendships which grew out of the brief contact with each 

'^^'^^'■- w.r.. P.. 



®l|r i>t0rg nf tlip Aubttnrtiim 

THE EARLIEST INCEPTION OF THE 
GREAT PROJECT 

The Auditorium wlicii complctcil will stand as a splendid monument 
to the city's enterprise, thrift and pul>lie spirit. Xo project of a semi- 
puhlic character, conceived under private auspices and executed under 
lioth private and pul)lic jjatriinagc will prove of s;'reater henefit to the com- 
munity at larf^e. 

The fact that the Merchants and Manufacturers' Association furnished 
the inception, and gave life and force to the project makes it one of special 
interest to the commercial and industrial interests of the city, and one 
which deserves the fullest treatment at my hands. Again the importance 
of the project is such as to warrant the preservation in some tangible form 
the history and leading incidents which brought the same into complete 
realization. 

The suggestion that some steps should be taken towards replacing the 
old Exposition Building by a more substantial and serviceable structure 
was first made by Mr. F.. .\. W'adhams, then President of the Merchants 
and Manufacturers' Association. This suggestion led to some thought on 
the subject and resulted in a definite project both as to the initial steps to 
be taken and the ultimate uses to which a buihling (if this kind slmuld l)e 
placed. 

THE NEED OF AN AUDITORIUM 

The necessitv of a conmiodious Auditorium building which would 
afford the opportunity for large gatherings of a pulilic character, and 
otlier functions of a social, political or educational nature, was a|)paront 
and permitted of no further argument. 

The execution, however, of a project re(|uiring the investment of a 




I'. A. W. KlK( KIIKKKK 

N'icu-l'n-M.kiit 




Ol.lVKK C. ■■'iLI-KK 

'l"ri-asiircr 



ol-FICI-KS Ol- Mll.WALKl-.l'. All )|l i iK IIM ('()MI'\^•^ 



large sum of money involved a problem of a serious nature and immediate- 
ly brought up the question of the probable cost of a suitable Auditorium 
building together with the pmbability of raising a stun adequate to meet 
the necessities of the case. Here it was at once reasoned oiU that while 
our citizens were as lifieral as those of other cities in meeting an emer- 
gency of a financial character, there was also a limit to their financial 
ability in coming to the aid of even the most laudable project. 

A structure worthy of the connnmiity. worthy of an inqiortant metro- 
politan cit\. wortliN" of its commercial and industrial position, wortln 
of its pride, its dignity and its prestige, would demand a sum of money 
be_\ond the probabilities of a |)ri\ate subscription list. 

The wisdom of joining with the municipality in the cost, erection and 
maintenance of the jiroject readily suggested itself. The first real step 
taken in the matter was the appointment of a so-called ( '(unention llall 
L'ommittee whose ])iu-pose was to study the feasibility of the project and 
to make a suitable report to the Hoard of Directors of the Association. 

I'resident \\'adliams. on July 28th. UJ03, appointed a so-called "Com- 
mittee on I'onvention llall." consisting of Messrs. Win. X. Fitzgerald. 
Frederick Kasten, FTed W. Sivyer. K. .\. Wa<lhams and Louis G. Piohm- 
rich, with instructions to rcjxirt the result of their deliberations and find- 
ings to the Hoard of Directors. 

The first step taken was to confer with the directors of the I^xposition 
Building and to secure the consent of that l)od\' to a transfer of its lease 
on the city's land to the new organization. This invcilved a legal question 
which, if untangled to the satisfaction of the promoters of the new pro- 
ject, would readily be followed b}' favorable action on the ])art of the 
Ex])osition authorities. 

THE OLD EXPOSITION SITE 

The real work of this Conmiittee was not so nutch in finding wavs and 
means of raising a fund for the enterprise as it was to ascertain the city's 
rights to the premises then occiq)ied by the old b'.xposition Building. 
Here it was foimd that a carefid investigation of the title was necessary 




Wm. X. Iri/i.KK AMI 






\\'\i. M \i Laren 



!•". A. Wadiiams 



lu>w. A. Uhkk; 




( )TT() J. Si IKIKM.KIIKR 

Ml-MBKRS Ol- AllHI'dKUM Cc )M M 11 Tl-.l-: 



and to ascertain to what extent tlie city was now complying with tlie 
terms of that title. 

This meant the examination of ahstracts. consultations with the heirs 
of the late Bvron Kilhourn. who had deeded the land in question to the 
citv upon certain conditions, and to learn the liearing these conditions 
would have upon the new project. 

It was found tliat the heirs nf llyron Kilhourn had hrought suit against 
the city soon after the completion of the present Exposition Building for 
having vinlated the terms of the deed. This document provided that the 
city must maintain a puhlic market as a part uf the huilcling. Any failure 
to comply with this condition woidd cause the title of the land to revert 
back to tlie heirs. 

The suit finally found its way into the Supreme Court, Init that body 
failed to act because the building had been erected, was in use and served 
partiall)- at least for market purposes. The outcome of the Committee's 
deliberations led to a bill that was framed, providing that the municipality 
should join with any voluntarx assnciatinn (ir corporatimi in the erection 
and maintainance of an auditorium or nnisic hall, certain conditions being 
stipulated. This bill or measure was framed by Louis Bohmrich, Esq., 
who gave the subject thorough study and who also assisted in enacting it 
into a law. 

Much has been said about the title to the land formerlv occupied by 
the old K.xposition Building and many doubts have Ijeeu expressed as to 
the city's right to use it for other than strictlv market purposes. 

The e.xact status, however, was revealed in a report made by Chairman 
Fitzgerald of the Convention Hall Committee, which in substance con- 
tained the following ; 

HISTORY OF LAND TITLE 

The Committee, shortly after its organization, decided that the prem- 
ises now and heretofore covered by the Milwaukee Exposition .Association 
Building, were the best available grounds that made the establishment of 
a large convention, nnisic hall, etc., feasible. Xunierous meetings were 




Ar.liKKT J. I.lMiKNFANX 




M.IMM- S. M. I!K( KER 



\r<:rST S. LiNDKM.WN 




ClIAS. A. r.\KS( IIKF. 

mi:mbi!:ks or aldhokum commitiki-: 



held and several thereof in cnnjunctinn. hy invitation of this Committee, 
with a Committee of the local musical societies. 

The Committee found that the Exposition <jrounds were owned b\' 
the city in the manner as follows: The piece of land hounded north h\ 
State St., east hy J-'ifth St., south liy Cedar St. and west hy j Section line, 
being the east half of the square, was donated to the city, conditioned that 
the city may erect a market house thereon, and that no buildings be 
erected in the sjjace in front of lUock 32; lllock 165, which is the west 
half of the square, was purchased by the city in 18S0. for the sum of 
$54,339.00. The estimated value by the city authorities in the cit\- records 
of the two tracts is $52,000.00 for the east half, and $64,000.00 for the 
west half. 

It appears that in ( )ctober, 1835. Hyron l\il])ourn, deceased, dedicated 
by plat a part of the l(.)cus in <|uo. and particularly that part which upon 
the plat at that time was marked "the four vacant spaces marked Pulilic," 
conditioned that the said spaces lie left vacant as public grounds and that 
no buildings ]je ever erected thereon by an\iiod\ , corjmrate or public, ex- 
cept in the case of the Town being incorporated, and that then the town 
authorities may erect a market house on either of the spaces King in front 
of niocks 36, 52 or 76, but no buiklings should be erected in the space in 
front of Lilock 52. At the time the plat was made, Milwaukee was not 
incorporated, either as a village or a city. 

In 1867 c-ertain residents erected a large building covering the south 
half of the square, and two years thereafter it began to be used as a public 
market house, until 1880 or 1881, when the building was torn down. 
In 1875 a corporation was formed called the West Side Alarket Associa- 
tion, and the city leaseil in that year to said cor]3oration. all of saiil part 
dedicated by said l\ill)ourn, including the building, for five \ears, at a 
nominal rate. 

In 1880, certain residents of Milwaukee formed a corporation with a 
cajiital stock of $150,000.00, called the Milwaukee Industrial Exposition 
Association, for the purpose of constructing and maintaining an Exposi- 
tion for industrial and other pnrjjoses in .Milwaukee. The city leased to 




Dwiii t' I >ui:x 
MKMKERS ()l- AlDl lOKUM O )M.\I 1 ITKK 



this association, the public square of ground west of Block 52, to be used 
only for industrial Exposition and other purposes of public nature, as the 
Directors of the association might see fit, for the term of fifty years. This 
was done under the authority of Chapter 461 of the laws of 1885, which 
provided that "The City of Milwaukee is hereby authorized to lease the 
piece of ground (describing the piece in c|uestion ) to any association, for 
the purpose of maintaining a liuilding thereon, to be used for annual in- 
dustrial Exposition or for public museum." 

Subsequently, one of the Killiourn heirs brought suit in ejectment, but 
was defeated, the Supreme Court intimating tliat an adjoining lot owner 
might enforce the trust and compel the cit\ to refrain from misappropriat- 
ing the square for other purposes than for those dedicated. 

The Committee set about to procure and did procure certain contracts 
of option from the Kilbourn heirs, with the intent of securing the options 
from all those that might l)e interested as heirs or abutting owners in the 
premises in question. Thereafter, and for the purpose of inquiring how 
the city's interests may be afifected or promoted, the committee had 
various consultations with the eitv authorities and the Mayor, which re- 
sulted in the drawing, liy Mr. Ijobmrich, of the bill, enacted into law by 
the last Legislature, and known as Chapter 426 of the Laws of Wisconsin 
of 1905. 

The bill, as proposed, was first seriously misunderstood and reported 
by the legislative committee, who had charge thereof, for indefinite post- 
ponement, until the Convention Mall Committee succeeded in convincing 
the various members of the Legislature of their mistaken conception, and 
after being furnished with the details and written argument, the b\\\ was 
taken u|) by the Assembly, after it had passed the Senate, and became a 
law. 

RAISING FUNDS BY SUBSCRIPTION 

No better opportunity to study human nature and to secure at the same 
time a greater variety of views on a given subject is afforded than in the 

soliciting of funds b\- po])ular subscription. 




Ik \\ K N SxKi.i. 




1". K, ICsriCMIAlN 



E. A. Co.NKAll 



J. II. I'l KI.KHKK 




Wm. Woipiis I'l.AN KINTON 

.Mi:.MMKKS or AUDIiORlLM COMM I I' I'lili 



Tlie nenerosity of man as well as liis cu|iidity is illustrated in its 
various degrees, forms and character. The tightness with which a man 
holds on to his pocketl)0(.)k, regardless <if his financial ahility (ir the lilieral 
spirit which ma\- conti'ol him, regardless of his poverty, are revealed in an 
interesting manner. 

A s[)lendid lesson, too, in the study of psvchology is afforded. The 
conduct, manner and propusition of the solicitor ])roduccs certain general 
effects which may he relied upon in almost all instances. Human nature 
the world over, and generosity as well as tightfisledness may he found in 
office as well as in the lidine. (,'ause and effect are illustrated here most 
eft'ectuall\. 

I'lUl, the raising of funds hy suhscriptiim is not onl\- an art, hut also a 
science. This claim may well he sustained when it is remembered that much 
de]iends upon the manner of beginning a list. The science of figures comes 
into play. The larger subscriber should always head the list. A small 
figure in the wrong place is liable to do damage. 

The art of soliciting funds involves all the elements that go U> make 
a successful salesman. Tact, skill and judgment nuist predominate. The 
proposition must, of course, have some merit: the sulicitor must be of 
pleasing address, alert in catching the drift of thought, adroit in steering 
it in the direction of his ])ur])ose, and finallv, convincing in his argument. 
His manner, alxive all things, luust inspire confidence. 

The keen observer, and one of a ])hilos()pliic turn of mind, will fintl 
many incidents that are both interesting and instructive. The\' illustrate 
the variety of tlinught and tendency, the Inunorous as well as the pathetic. 

There are, alsn, man\ incidents that could not be related openly with- 
out gi\-ing offense, but there are those that can he told with pr<ipriety and 
which illustrate at least the possibilities in the field of popular subscription 
labors together with novel experiences. 

THE FIRST AUDITORIUM COMMITTEE 

The first .Xuditurinm (/nmmittee was appointed Jul\' j i , i(J<)5, by 
President Si\\er and ccmsisted of Messrs. E. A. W'adhams, W'm. N. b'itz- 




.\K II, (,i;..sSM.\N 
Si,..ri.l:irv 



mh.\ibi:rs and si:cri:i"akii-.s oi- aldiiokilm coMMrnKF. 



gerald, David S. Rose, John W Murphy, Alvin 1'. Is^letzsch, Henr\' C. 
Schraiick, Shcrhurn M. llccker, Edward G. Pratt, B. G. Ellsworth, 
Charles L. Blaiichard, Arthur Koenis", Chas. E. Saninioud, \\'. J. Rovlc, 
I'" red \V. Rogers and Win. (leu. liruce. 

The Committee was fulK autlmrized to proceed with the work of 
securing an Atiditorimii huilding under the conditions provided for Iiy 
Chapter 426 of the Laws of Wisconsin. The effort to secure subscriptions 
was undertaken at mice and pursued for a time with considerable energy. 

The plan of operations was in the main confined to the leading mer- 
chants and manufacturers and those generally known as public spirited 
citizens. Here it (kwelopeil that the |)lan was too limited in its scope in 
that it confined itself largely to a class of men who are usually called upon 
for financial aid of a public character. The response from this source was 
as generous as could have been e.xpectefl, Init it was far from the ends 
yet to be attained. 

When the sum of $72,250.00 was reached, it was found that the work 
of soliciting became more difficult from day to day anil that in order to 
complete the fun<l of $250,000.00, future operations must assume a wider 
scope. Chairman Wadhams' business engagements called him from the 
city (|uite fre(|uently and pre\ented his giving the re(|uired time to the 
Auditorium project, and for some months there was a complete cessation 
of the campaign labors. 

THE SECOND AUDITORIUM COMMITTEE 

A reorganization of the committee was deemed expedient and Presi- 
dent i'itzgerald then name(l the fcillowing citizens to constitute the new 
Auditorium Committee : 

Alvin P. Kletzsch, Manager of the Republican House: 

Oliver C. Euller, President of the Wisconsin Trust Company: 

\\'m. X. I-'itzgerald, President Merchants and Manufacturers' Ass'n. 

K. .\. Chrig, President Citizens' Business League: 

F. K. Espenhain, President (Greater Milwaukee Association : 

B. G. Ellsworth. President Chamber of Commerce; 



E. A. Conrad. President Milwaukee Real Estate Board; 

C. E. Sanmiond. Manajjcr St<j\\ell Manufacturing Coni])any ; 
H. C. Scliramk. President Musical Stx'iety ; 

A. J. Lindcmann. President South Side Advancement Association ; 

R. J. Miller, President Xorth Side Advancement Association: 

]•!. A. Wadhanis. Wadhams ( )il C'nnipanv ; 

Mayor S. M. liecker: 

Wni. (jeo. Ilruce. Tax Commissioner: 

F. \. Sncll, President Westminster Civic League : 
\V. W. Plankinton: 

lunil H. ( )ti. Win. Steimneyer L'unipanv : 

D. L'. ( )\\en. Postmaster: 

Aui^-. S. Lindcmann. President School Hoard : 

C. A. Paesclike. (ieuder & Paeschke Conijiany ; 

W'ni. MacLaren. ( iimhel P.rothers : 

J. II. Puelicher. Marshall .S: Ilsley's Lank: 

( ). j. Schoenleher. Amhrosia Chocolate Com])any ; 

l-red (.'. I'ass, Liveryman : 

Huijo Luewenhach. Printer and Pnhlisher. 

In making;- up the personnel of tiic new committee it was aimed to rep- 
resent as far as possihle the several commercial, industrial and civic bodies 
of the city. lAery man named was either at the head of one of these 
associations or else identified in some manner with tendencies and move- 
ments of a ])ul)Iic character. The hVderated Trades Council was re- 
(|uested to name a rejiresentative to he i)laced n|)on the .\nditiirium Com- 
mittee, as it was deemed most tittinjj that all interests should he repre- 
sented, hut tliat ora;anization declined to do so. The names of ( )tto J. 
Schoenleher. I'red C'. hass and Hut^o Loewenhach were added after the 
Committee was first appointed, in recotjnition of their services as solicitors 
for funds. Mr. Alvin P. Kletzsch was made chairman. Mr. L. C. Whitney, 
secretary: M. II. ( irossman and Richard P.. Watrous. assistant secretaries, 
and .Mr. ( )liver C'. h'uller, treasurer. 

The ]ilan that here gained favor and that became the directing force 



in the Committee's labors, was to widen the scope of the subscription 
labors to a poimlar degree. Every section oi the city was to be invaded 
by solicitors, every interest was to l)e drawn into active service or into 
rendering fmancial aid. 

THE NEW CAMPAIGN FOR FUNDS 

.\ campaign embracing this plan was outlined liy \\'m. (ieo. Bruce and 
subsequently worked out in detail. It provided for sub-committees in 
every ward of the city and a complete list of the citizens and taxpayers 
who were able to give financial assistance to the project. 

The several sub-conmiittees organized themselves into squads of 
solicitors who invaded the residence districts as well as the commercial 
and industrial centers. JNIeetings were held in the several wards, ad- 
dresses were made and every effi irt made to stinuilate an interest and 
enthusiasm all along the line. 

This campaign revealed some sjilendid examples of individual zeal 
and patriotism. Citizens threw themselves into the canvass for subscrip- 
tions and worked incessantly from early morning until late. They missed 
no opportunity to secure a dollar wherever and whenever it could be 
secured. 

A Committee on Publicity, headed by Mr. William MacLaren. was 
appointed. He was assisted in his work by Messrs. Frank N. Snell, Wm. 
Geo. liruce, .\lbert J. Lindemann and F. K. Espenhain. Col. J. A. Wat- 
rous served for two months as press agent. 

A Committee on F"inance, whose duty it was to raise money for pre- 
liminary expenses, was appointed, with Charles E. Sanimond as chairman 
and Messrs. David C. Owen and .\ugust S. Lindemann as members. 

The Committee on Organization was headed by Wm. Geo. Bruce, as 
chairman, with Messrs. Edward .\. L'hrig. Henrv C, Schranck, Charles 
A. Paeschke and Emil H. CJtt, as memlx-rs. 

In order to arouse a proper sentiment on the part of the puljlic the 
active interest of the press was enlisted. The blowing of whistles, the 
clanging of bells from the towers of the cit_\-, the display of hrewcirks, and 



tlic hooiii of canons wcru employed on the 28tli day of June, w lien the so- 
called Auditorium Campaign was opened. 

The arduous task which now followed was sim])ly the ])ersistent and 
tenacious effort to raise money. The history of each day. of each suh- 
scrijjtion. of ever\ success and every disappointment, of the slow and 
steady jMiIl witii its thousand fluctuations of hriijjhtness and gloom will 
never he told. 

The Committee and its solicitors went holdly to the front. Xo rebuke 
daunted theiu. no miserly "turn down" discouraged them. Evcrv day 
they a])i)eare(l ujion the scene, fresh, strong and confident. Everv day 
added to the total, wliicii now crejit from $72,250.00 to $210,000.00 to 
$220,C00.00. until tile coveted sum was reached. 

THE FINAL EFFORT 

Here it is iiul pr(i|)cT to inciition the fact liie Committee rejected all 
catch penny schemes for raising money. These were urged upon all sides 
and included the sale of huttons. bean guessing contests and baseball con- 
tests in liallet costumes, as well as every imaginable form of amusements 
through which money might be raised. All were rejected. 

Tlie .\u(litiiriuni (,'niiimittee ado]ited the fixed policy that every dollar 
should be raised through a legitimate subscription method. It adhered 
strictly to this ])olicy until the subscription list was not only fully sub- 
scribed, but ;ils(i liberally over-subscribed — at least sufficiently over-sub- 
scril)e(l to fully make up all la|)ses liable to occur. 

It wiiuld be evading the liiitb to sav that there were not ])eriods of 
cessation and rest, even with this energetic body of men. All of them 
were ileejily engrossed with their several business or ])rofessioiial voca- 
tions, and there naturally arose a periodical lull in the labors of the Com- 
mittee. I'.ut enthusiastic leadership soon revived the various factors into 
action again. 

The raising of the last twenty thousand iloll;irs a]>]ieared. however, 
a more difficult task than did the raising of the first one hundred thousand. 
Xearlv cvervbod\. likeh to subscribe, had subscribed, and those who had 



refused were not likely to he induecd to come to rescue at tlie last mo- 
ment. The alignment between those who would lend their support and 
those who would not, had heeome so rigid that further effort in storming 
the unwilling to \'iel<l seemed useless. 

The only alternati\e that ])resented itself to the LOnimittee was the in- 
vasion of new fields, or rather an extension of the campaign in the resi- 
dence section of the city. This meant a series of smaller subscriptions 
instead of a few larger ones. The thought of renewing the arduous laliors 
in a held that could not be covered during the regidar hdurs of the day, 
hut would have to he undertaken during a few brief hours in the e\en- 
ing. was not altogether a cheerful one. It would re(|uire an army of men 
to perform the task and woulil ilelay the completion of the fund for some 
week.s at least. 

l')Ut, with time there came counsel and helj). Public s])irited men came 
to the rescue and hivally supported the project most lilierally. 

The last ten thousand dnllars were suliscribed by three pulilic spirited 
citizens who had alreadx' gi\en liberal sui)i)ort tn the ])roject through the 
business enterprises which they represented. L'ol. (!. G. Pabst signed 
$2,500.00, Mr. Chas. V. Pfister $2,500.00 and Prof. Warren S. Johnson 
$5,000.00. These com]:)leted the total of $250,000.00. 

THE MUSIC HALL AND AUDITORIUM ASSOCIATION 

In ri-cording the history of the audit(.irium movement it wduld be un- 
fair to omit mention of the efforts made in its behalf by the nnisical people 
of the city. They entered with zest and spirit into the work and con- 
tributed in no small degree to the ultimate success of the pniject as far 
as the raising of funds was concerned. 

The initial move was made by the Arion Musical Club at a meeting 
held on I'ebruary 2^,, hjo^, when a resolution was adopted expressing the 
need of a music hall in this city and authorizing President Currie to ap- 
point a committee to deal with the matter. 

The plan first suggested was a conference with the manager of the 
Wells estate with a view of prompting the erection of a building that 



sliould cuntaiii a music hall. A cuiumittec was a])])oiiUf(l. wliicli con- 
sisted of the late jnhn Jojinslon. Jiidjjje L. W. Ilalsey and James Ciirrie, 
met with .Mr. II. .\, |. L'phani. who represented tlie Wells estate, hut no 
tang-ihle results followed this conference. 

ISut. the attempt was followed hy a movement which assumed a wider 
sco[)e in that it embraced the co-operation of the representatives of the 
various musical organizations. The so-called Music Mall and Auditorium 
Association was the outcome. 

Tlie first meeting, or conference, which subsequently led to the or- 
ganization was held in the month of l-"el)ruary. 1904. at the duh rooms 
of the llotel I'tister with the following persons in attendance; Henry C. 
Schranck. James Currie. John 11. I-"rank. Dr. John Moeller. John R. 
Williams. W. 1'. Ilishoji and Charles \i. Sannnond. 

The representatives of the various musical organizations authorized to 
act for them were the following : 

Milwaukee Musical Society — Henry C". Schranck. Henry M. Mendel. 
Chas. L. Kiewert. Henry l-"ink and Jo-;e])li L'ihlein. 

.\rioii Musical Club — James Currie. Judge L. W. Ilalsey. .\ndrew M. 
Joys. John R. Williams and Chas. R. Sammond. 

A Capella Choir — John H. I-Vank. ( )scar Loeftler, ( )scar Streissguth. 
Will. 11. I'pmeyer and Oscar (iriebling. 

Milwaukee Maennerchor — Dr. John Morllcr. ( leorge Seifert. Dr. 
tjustav .\. Kletzsch and Charles Kuelins. 

The objects of the new organization, as e.\])ressed in its articles of 
association, were "the proposition of a suitable hall for music and art and 
public assemblies in Milwaukee and for mutual benefit of its members." 
The officers elected were as follows: I'resideiit. Henry C. Schranck; 
First \'ice-President. James Currie; Second \'ice-I'resident. Dr. John 
Moeller: .Secretary. Chas. E. Saniniond : Treasurer. John II. b'rank. 

A series of meetings followed during the spring months of 1904 in 
which various ways and means towards accomplishing the desired object 
were discussed. These in their earlier stages had umlcr consideration 
the finding of some ca])italist who would, as an investment, erect a struc- 



tare tliat would afford a seating capacity for some three thousand persons. 
These also included a ])lan, prcsentetl hy Mr. Mendel, which contemplated 
the utilization of the old E.x])osition site. 

At a meeting hekl .-\])ril 2~ . ii>04, a committee consisting of Messrs. 
Schranck, Sammond and Halsey was appointed to confer with the 
directors of the Exposition Association regarding the rental of the old 
site. The committee was alsn authorized to act in conjunction with the 
Merchants and Manufacturers' .\ssociatinn. 

Earlv the following year a l)ill was iutniduced in the state legislature 
for a joint arrangement through which any corporation could join with 
the numicipality in tlie construction and maintenance of an auditorium 
building. The nuisical societies as represented through their special or- 
ganization gave this measure most hearty support. Resolutions to this 
effect were adopted and forwarded to the members of the legislature. 

The second Auditorium Committee appointed by President Fitzgerald 
of the Merchants and Manufacturers' Ass(jciation represented the various 
civic organizations. Messrs. f-lenry C. Schranck and Charles F.. Sam- 
mond were named upon that counnittee and did valiant service in coni- 
]3leting the fund. 

.\fter the regular Auditorium Conmiittee had gotten its subscription 
fund fairU under wav. the Music llall and .\uditorium Association con- 
sidered its labors completed and no more meetings were called. The 
rei>resentation of two memliers of the latter organization on the former 
in a measure served as a merger of both. 

THE FRATERNAL TEMPLE ASSOCIATION 

Another movement, which sprung u]) almost simultaneously with that 
of the nuisical people, is that which was inaugurated liy several repre- 
sentatives of fraternal organizations. The fact that they had under con- 
sideration the utilization of the old I-lxiiosition site in the realization of 
their plans, makes it ])roper that they be referred to in connection with 
its auditorium movement. 

While the project here provided for a temple or a home for the various 



fraternal organizations the construi-tion of a larger hall in connection with 
a series of smaller lodge rooms was also in cf)ntemplation. 

The first evidence of this movement foimd expression in a communica- 
tion to the local press under date of ( )ctol)cr y\. 1903. which ap])eared 
over the signature of Louis Liehscher. jr. The i)roject as here outlined 
included a large convention hall, a gynmasium. hilliard hall as well as a 
number of smaller halls for meeting jjurposes. 

Mr. Lieijscher introduced a resolution at a meeting of the lladger 
Camp Xo. 59. Modern Woodmen of the World, lor the ai)pointment of a 
committee which was to test the feasibility of the project, lie also sent 
letters to three hundred and fifty societies suggesting the ap|)ointiuent of 
similar committees. 

Twenty societies responded and the committees ajjpointed l)y them 
were formed into an organizati<in. The result was a S])ecial committee 
consisting of .Messrs. A. (, . Davies. Wni. I-". Sell. (1. W. Kliegel. Leo 
Torbe. l)r. J. J. Seelnian. Harry .M. Sdber and Louis Liehscher, Jr. 

An organization known as the I'ralerna! Teni])le .Association of Mil- 
waukee followed, with the following officers: rresideiu. Louis Liehscher, 
Jr.: Secretary. ( "leorge W. Kliegel: Treasurer. Leo iorbe: Directors; A. 
C. Davies, Win. !■'. Sell. Dr. J. J. Seelman and Harry .\I. Siiher. 

.\ proposition to join with other associations in the ])roject of securing 
an .\uditorium seems to have remained unheeded. The loss of the Ex- 
position by fire strengthened the ])romoters of the fraternal temple idea 
in their faith as to the wisdom of the movement. Notwithstanding this 
fact, the financial aid which was offered a])])cared altogether too meagre 
to warrant the hope of success. The societies, too, failed to respond in 
such manner as had lieen expected. 

When the jiroject which had been inaugurated by the Merciianls and 
Manufacturers' .Vssociation assumed some ninnKntum and gave promise 
of fulfillment the promoters of the fraternal tem|)le relaxed their efforts. 
The ])romoters, too. felt that they had not received such encouragement 
as had originally been hoped for or expecte<l and they finally abandoned 
all further efforts. 



PERFECTING THE CORPORATION 

After the subscription fund was completed, it was found that certain 
formalities would have tn he undertaken before the entire project could 
be presented to the Common Council. 

The tirst step to lie taken was the incorporation of the Auditorium 
Company. This was promptly undertaken. The incorporation papers 
were drawn by Attorney Ouarles, signed by Messrs. Alvin P. Kletzsch, 
Oliver C. Fuller, W. N. Fitzg-erald, Wm. C.eo. Rruce, Edward A. IHirig 
and Henry C. Schranck, and filed with the Secretary of State on October 
27th, u;o6. A meetinc: of the stockholders, too, was called by two of the 
incorporators, Alvin P. Kletzsch and W. X. Fitzfjcrald, and the date fixed 
for Wednesday evening, Xovember 14th, 1906. 

At the same time the Chairman and Secretary of the Incorporation 
Committee, Alvin P. Kletzsch and Wni. ( leo. P.ruce, notified the Common 
Council that the fund was completed, and requesting that body to 
fix a suitable bond to lie given l)y the Auditorium Company in 
conformity with the law. This bond, which was for the purpose of bind- 
ing the Auditorium projectors to the agreement that the sum of $250,- 
000.00 would be furnished for carrying out the project, was fixed in the 
sum of $10,000.00. In placing the bond at a nominal figure the h^inance 
Committee of the Common C(.)uncil gave an expression of confidence in 
the men who had the Auditorium project in hand. 

The liond, given in the sum of $10,000.00, was signed by Alvin P. 
Kletzsch and Charles E. Sammontl, president and secretary respectively, 
as principals, and by the following gentlemen as sureties : Wm. Geo. 
liruce, William MacLaren, Charles A. Paeschke, ( )liver C. Fuller, Emil 
H. Ott, Wm. N. Fitzgerald, William Woods Plankinton, F. K. Espenhain, 
B. G. Ellsworth, J. H. I'uelicher, ICdward A. Uhrig, Henry C. Schranck, 
Otto J. Schoenleber, August S. Lindemann, Hugo Loewenbach, Fred C. 
Fass, Richard B. Watrous, Joseph C. Grieli. M. H. Grossman, Robert J. 
Miller, E. A. Conrad, F>ank N. Snell. 

Previous to the stockholders' meeting, the so-called Auditorium Com- 
mittee deemed it w ise to act suggestively in naming the men who were to 



serve as directors of the company. Inasimicli as the great majority of 
stockholders was at sea as to who would lie most likely to serve acceptahlv 
it was thouglit well to suggest the names of live nun from the committee 
to be voted upon hy the stockholders. 

The proposition met with ap])roval at the hands of the committee, and 
the nominations were made 1)\ hallnt. The result showed that Messrs. 
Alvin r. Kletzsch. Win. ( ieo. I'.ruce. Allien J. Lindeman, Edward A. 
I'hrig and Charles I'",. Sammond were the choice for directors to serve the 
terms of five. four, three, two and one year, respectively. While these 
were to lie suggested it w ;is held at the same time that any stockholder, 
not a memher of the connnittee. might he considered an available candi- 
date for the directorshi]), and. therefore, the former were not urged with 
any degree of energy. 

.\ sentiment on the part nt tlie subscribers or stockholders had cry- 
stallized in the direction of nien whose names had been most ])rominently 
identified with the .\uditoriuni niovinient. or to be more specific, with the 
raising of the .Xuditcrivnn fund. Thus, when the evening arrived when 
the Hoard of Directors was to be chosen, it was a foregone conclusion 
that at least two of the names suggested would be chosen. Mr. I'lirig 
declined to have his name considere<l. 

The ca]>italiz:itioii of $250,000.00 divided in shares of $10.00 each gave 
a voting strength of 25,000 in number. It rei|uired a majority, or 12,501 
votes to transact any business. The number of votes represented ex- 
ceeded the 18,000 mark, however, and throughout the evening a lively 
interest was manifested on the part of the stockholders, in the results of 
the contest. The five directors were elected in their order as follows; 
Messrs. .\lvin 1'. Kletzsch, Wni. < ieo. I'.ruce, ( )liver ('. b'uller, t'barles E. 
Sanuuond and. 1-". .\. W. Kieckhefer. 

The term for which tluy were elected is for one year only. At this 
pi lint it may be well to explain more fully the nature of the law creating 
the Auilitorium Company. The impression has been gained that the five 
directors .selected necessarily constitute the five trustees who act jointly 
with the six officials reiireseuting the nnmici]).ility. This is not correct. 



Tlie five directors chosen from and by the stockholders are empowered 
to elect from within their number, or without, the five men who sit in the 
joint Auditorium Board of Trustees. This does not make it necessary 
that they elect themselves if they are disinclined to do so. In electing- the 
five men to the joint body they also fix dieir term of service, ranging from 
one to five years. 

Here, too, a question may arise which may at first seem puzzling. The 
directors originally chosen by the stockholders for one year may be elected 
by the directors to serve in the joint liody for a term of years, not to ex- 
ceed five years. Those chosen to serve with the city's representatives in 
the joint Board of Trustees with the tenure fixed, are as follows: For 
one vear, F. A. W. Kieckhefer ; two years, Charles E. Sammond ; three 
years, Oliver C. Fuller; four years, \\'m. Geo. Bruce; five years, Alvin P. 
Kletzsch. 

In the primary capacity as directors of the Auditorium Company they 
serve also as officers of that organization in the following order: Presi- 
dent, Alvin P. Kletzsch; Vice-President, V. A. W. Kieckhefer; Secretary, 
Charles E. Sammond ; Treasurer, ( )liver C. Fuller. 

From the foregoing it will be plain that every year five directors must 
be elected, and from this body there must be selected one man to fill the 
annual vacancy in the joint Board of Trustees. Thus, there may be five 
directors, onh- one of whom is a member of the joint body. 

JOINING WITH THE CITY 

The law enabling the munici])ality to join with any corporation in the 
construction and maintenance of an .Vudiloriuni also stipulates the condi- 
tions under which this must be done. These conditions provide, 

First. That a formal petition be filed with the Common Council out- 
lining in a general way the plans, dimensions and purposes of an Audi- 
torium structure. 

Second. An agreement to enter jointly into contract with the city in 
carrying the project into realization. 

Third. To furnish a complete list of all the subscribers to the fund or 



stDcklidldcrs i)t tlic .\uilit<.riuni Coiii]>aiiy. wliioli su1iscri]jtion of stock 
nnist ajjgregate the sum of $250,000.00. 

Fourth. Submit a bond in sum as may be named by the Council, to 
ensure the municipality as to the faithful performaiu-e of the contract on 
the part of the .Vuditorium (.'om])any. 

These conditions were complied with in every detail, and in the short- 
est possible time as far as the Auditorium Com])any or its representatives 
was concerned. The council was oblig^ed, however, in accordance with its 
established rules, to refer the petition and bond, as well as the resolution 
to accept the proposition to its conmiittees for consideration and then have 
them re-referred for final action. 

This consumed considerable time, and it was n<<\. until 1 )ecemliir 24. 
1906, that the final resolution acceptinjj the proposition made by the .\\idi- 
torium Company could be introduced. The resolution is i)resente<l here- 
with in full, since it embodies the leading and essential conditions making 
the jointure possible. 

Wiii'.ui: AS, the Milwaukee .\uditorium Company has coni])lie(l with all 
of the provisions of Chapter 426 of the Laws of 1905 on its part to be per- 
formed jireliminary to the action to be taken by the Conmion Council of 
the city of Milwaukee, and ])articularly has cimiplied with all of the pro- 
visions of Sections 2 and 4 of said Chapter 426 of the Laws of i<>05. re- 
lating to the erection and maintenance of an auditorium : and, 

WiiKKK.vs. the ])etition of the said Milwaukee Auditorium Company 
has been received by the connnon council and complies in all respects with 
the provisions of said Section 2 of the said law. wherel)y it appears that 
it is desired to erect and maintain an auditorium, now, therefore, 

Be it Rcsolicd. Uv the Common Coimcil of the city of Milwaukee, 
that it be and is hereby determined that the jniblic welfare will be pro- 
moted by the erection and maintenance of the institution ])ro])osed by the 
said petition, to-wit : an audilt)rium : 

Fiirlhcr Kcsolxcd. That the Common C'ouncil of the city of Milwaukee 
does hereby agree to j(jin with the said Milwaukee .Vuditorium Company 
in the erection and maintenance of such auditorium as proposed by said 
company as ])rovide(l by law . 



Further Rcsohcd. That there shall be and is created a board which 
shall have full and complete authority over such institution and in the 
buildinii' and maintenance thereof, which board sliall consist of five mem- 
bers elected thereto bv the said Milwaukee Auditorium Company, namely: 
Ferdinand A. W. Kieckhefer. holilino- for the term of one year; Charles 
E. Sammond, holding- for the term of two years: Oliver C. Fuller, hold- 
ing for the term of three years; Win. C,eo. I'.ruce. holdino- for the term of 
four years; Alvin P. Kletzsch. holdino for the term of five years, and the 
Alayor, City Attorney. City Comptroller. City Treasurer, President of the 
Board of Trustees of the Public Library and President of the Board of 
Trustees of the Public Museum of the cit\- of Milwaukee. 

THE KLETZSCH DINNER 

It may not be out of the way to say that the persomiel of the committee 
was a most congenial one. The social spirit w hich ])ervaded the memliers 
in their personal intercourse with each other, aided largely in stimulating 
renewed eflfort. Disappointments and discouragements were lightly 
passed over and with each weekly meeting followed a renewed outburst 
of enthusiasm and cheerful effort. 

The spirit of good-natured rivalry, too, proved a stimulating factor. 
The city had been divided into districts and those residing in them made 
an efl:'ort to excel in the total of subscriptions secured. The surreptitious 
invasion of one another's territory was not an infrequent occurrence. 
There were also frequent instances where persons had been solicited re- 
peatedl}- without success and finally secured by some S(.ilicitor who had 
made no pre\ious effort in that direction. 

The dinner therefore, tendered by President Alvin P. Kletzsch to the 
members (jf the committee on the evening of December 3d, 1906, was a 
fitting clima.x to the spirit of good fellow'ship which had prevailed through- 
out the canqjaign for funds. 

Those present were: Alvin P. Kletzsch. Charles E. Sammond, W'm. 
Geo. Bruce, William MacLaren, Charles -\. Paeschke, Oliver C. h'uller, 
Emil li. ( )tt. Wm. X. I'itzgerald. William Woods Plankinton. ¥. K. 



Espenhain, J!. G. Ellswortli. J. II. Piiclichcr, Edward A. L'lirijj. Henry C. 
Schranck, Otto J. ScliOL-iikhcr, Aiitjust S. Eiiulciiiann. Hugo Loewetihach, 
Fred C. Fass, Richard D. Watrous, Joseph C. Grieb, M. H. Grossman, 
Robert J. Miller, E. A. Conrad. Frank N. Snell. 

The menu was as elaborate as the host could possibly have made it ; 
the table decorations were ex(|uisitc; the social atmosphere was most de- 
lightful. 

The cxi^ressions of the evening — and everybody present said something 
— were in the main a tribute to the leadership manifested by the host, in 
what he did towards making the .Auditnrium project an assured success, 
and in w Jiat he caused others to do. 

Original verses of a humorous character were read by Ciiarles A. 
Paeschkc and Henry C. Schranck. Mr. Charles E. Sammond led in song 
and Mr. I'rar.k \. Snell acted as the toastmaster. 

It w'as also on this occasion that the bond was signed. The Hoard of 
Directors had already submitted a bond signed by the President and Sec- 
retary as principals and the five directors as sureties. It had become known 
about this time that the legality of this bond was being questioned by some 
of the officials at the city hall. .\ new bnnd was immediately prepared 
and was clieerfuliy signed by all present at the diinier. 

One tendency which was brought tn light in several of the speeches 
made during the evening was lo the effect that the Committee should 
preserve its identity and assist in future in other projects intended to bene- 
fit the city. The thought met with favur. and while no definite plans were 
proposed it was the general senlimenl lliat everx man stoorl ready to serve 
in any laudable project in the future. 



FEB 7 1907 







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